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The Mercer Hunt LbNA #1918 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Nov 1, 2002
Location:
City:Doylestown
County:Bucks
State:Pennsylvania
Boxes:2
Found by: Wed. Bowler, C. Cat
Last found:Dec 30, 2006
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Nov 1, 2002
THE GREEN STAR - Planted by Ed on 1/04 (to replace the "Blue Star" which was "abducted" earlier in the year.)

CRIMSON CAT- Planted by Ed on 11/02

TRAIL RATINGS - All trails are generally easy except when covered with snow or extremely wet. Boxers should take special care with small children present. Take mosquito spray and keep an eye out for the occasional Poison Ivy patch and for ticks during the warm weather months.

You will need a compass when searching for the "Green Star"

INTRODUCTION

Located in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania is an old growth forest, a castle and a pottery & tile works. This area, the walk along the way, and the hunt for the "Green star" and "Crimson Cat" are what you will enjoy today. Wear good walking shoes.


STARTING POINT & DIRECTIONS
You have two options:

1.) Park near the Mercer Museum/James Michener Art Museum complexes along Pine Street in downtown Doylestown and walk up the hill to the Courthouse where you will head east on Court Street for approximately one mile. Along the way, you will experience the sounds and sights of Doylestown as well as the many beautiful and interesting 19th century homes. You will eventually approach two concrete pillars on the left that guard the entrance to the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works where the hunt really begins. This walk is known as the "Mercer Mile".

2.) If a sightseeing walk is not on your calendar for today, park at the Tile Works. The tree lined driveway is off of Court Street.

NOTE: These trails are heavily travelled in good weather; so keep an eye out for hikers. Unfortunately, the "Blue star" was discovered by some who decided to take it home with them.


Start your hunt at "Fonthill", the famous concrete "castle" home of the late Henry Mercer, Doylestown's own renaissance man. Admire its beauty. Built in 1910, it is a one-of-a-kind structure! Facing the entrance, you will notice a pathway (driveway) on the left that leads to two concrete bridges in the rear. Take it and go over the right hand bridge following the path into the forest until you reach a path on the right. Take it and head down the hill until you see a cross path. Walk along the path bearing 40 deg. You will come to Doctor Mercer's stone cottage which was built around 1912. You will notice two things: The desecration
along the walls and the message above the entrance.


WHO LEARNS WITH LOVE AND NOT DESTROY THE CREATURES LIFE THE FLOWERS JOY

Take a minute to check out the workmanship and imagine someone 90 years ago resting by the fireplace. Perhaps,
some day, it may be possible to move the cottage to a safe location for all to enjoy.


Facing the cottage, take a bearing of 270 deg. and head down the narrow path. You will eventually notice two concrete slabs - one on each side of the trail. At this point you will head down the path bearing 40 deg. It will twist and wind around as you climb over or around fallen trees until you reach a wide, stream. Follow it until you arrive at a concrete bridge and cross path. At this point, head 40 deg. for 10 - 15 feet and then 330 deg. Keep a sharp eye out for a narrow path at 250 deg. Within a few feet,it will split into 2 trails. At this point, you are on your own and only 20 -25 paces (steps) from the "Green Star".

NOTE; At certain times, these paths are heavily traveled; so, at point of discovery, stamping and replacement, use discretion in order to protect the location.

THE CRIMSON CAT

After stamping and placement, retrace your steps back to the cross path by the bridge. At this point, continue straight ahead, following the trail along the creek. You will eventually see a narrow trail and a concrete culvert on the other side of the creek. Continue straight ahead; then go over the first bridge you come to (look familiar-?) and work your way back following the creek. Keep your eye open for a narrow path on your right. It leads to the culvert where the cat is hiding within 10 - 15'.

After stamping and securing the box, you are again in familiar territory. You may want to tour "Fonthill" or visit the Pottery & Tile Works - both pleasant experiences.

Ciao!

Ed